Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorders are characterized by repetitive and persistent patterns of aggressive, destructive, deceitful, and defiant behaviors far worse than would be expected in a child of that age.

The earlier conduct disorder signs are identified, the better the outcome. Some children are at increased risk of developing a conduct disorder — those growing up in poor households, those who have a history of abuse, etc. Parents, teachers, and health and social care workers are key to noticing the signs and getting them the help they need.

Prevalence

Conduct disorders are the most common type of mental and behavioral disturbance in children and adolescents. Approximately 5% of all people between five and sixteen years of age meet the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder, and this condition is more common in boys than it is in girls.